As they reach their twenties, most women start making plans to get married, live in a gorgeous house, full of kids (ok..not so many). Simultaneously, many of them also eye their boss’ chair. If you are one of them, then there are many plans you need to make to reach there in your 20s. What you need is a vision board, a chart which will plot your career growth right up to the top. Here’s what a vision board should typically consist of.
Education: Even though you are in your 20s and working, extra education will always help. Enroll into weekend language classes or other certification courses which can help in your career growth. Always attend any seminars which can add to your knowledge.
Net-savvy: Be tech friendly and read as much as you can about changing trends in your industry. The world is moving at a very fast pace, so the best way to stay ahead of everyone is to be very well read and informed. The internet has information on just about anything and everything. It’s about time you read it and know everything that is going around. Sound general knowledge can make you an excellent conversationalist too.
Use your interpersonal skills: If men can bond with their own kind over beer, sports and sometimes, checking out girls, women can use their own interpersonal skills and bond with people around them too. Use your skills and build relationships with customers, your bosses, colleagues etc.
Make a list: Make a list of where you want to be in the next 10-15 years and pin it up in front of you. Look at it every day and work towards your goal. Suppose there is a certain amount of money you want to earn by the end of this year. Then make a note of that number and write it down on a post-it on your work computer. Next time when you are negotiating for a new job or towards an appraisal, you will keep that number in mind.
Network: Women are excellent talkers and convincers. They can easily network though their social networking sites. Make sure you are in touch with all your contacts via these sites and are friendly with them. Being in touch with them through these sites will help you know about their personal lives as well, which can help you to strike a conversation the next time you meet them.
Find a mentor: It’s always good to have someone whom you can talk to and share your thoughts with. That person should be a senior from the industry who can guide you and stop you from making mistakes. Make sure you can trust that person and rely on him.
Project confidence: There are many times, because of the glass ceiling perhaps, that women in the workplace don’t exude confidence and are in turn subjugated with chilly looks. Always keep track of your accomplishments and don’t wait for the world to compliment you. This will help boost your confidence and make you feel better at work place.
Self promote: Once you have a track of your own accomplishments, make sure that people around know about it too. You don’t have to announce to the world about it, just subtle references and tid- bits of information can help people know about how good you are at what you do and it is bound to help you with your career.
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